Page 112 – The Pulse of Football

May

2024

Premier League Team of the Week: Round 38

The 2023/24 Premier League campaign might now be over but we still need to discover who made the final FotMob Team of the Week. So, for the last time this season, let’s take a look at who made the XI and why.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker

The Liverpool shot-stopper didn’t have much to do at Anfield in the 2-0 win over Wolves, but what he did have to do, he did well.

The 31-year-old made two saves and faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target value of 0.76. He also completed 16 of his 18 passes (89%) and recovered the ball on three occasions due to his aggressive positioning. He played his part in Liverpool achieving their 10th clean sheet of the season.

Right-Back: Pedro Porro

The 24-year-old ended his 2023/24 campaign on a high to remind everyone exactly why he was in the best right-back in the league conversations not too long ago.

Porro scored a goal, created an opportunity and found a teammate with 86% of his attempted passes as he helped Spurs to a fifth place finish with a 3-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday.

Centre-Back: Jarell Quansah

The young centre-back claimed the highest FotMob rating in the game between Liverpool and Wolves.

The 21-year-old earned himself an 8.7 score after heading in Liverpool’s second, creating a chance, and completing 91% of his attempted passes. Quansah also won two of his three tackles, three of his four ground duels and three of three aerial duels.

Centre-Back: Casemiro

Playing in an unfamiliar role at centre-back, Casemiro really impressed in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Brighton. He had struggled in recent weeks but was calm, confident and assured at the Amex, earning himself an 8.2 rating.

He completed 90% of his passes, 100% of his dribbles, cleared an effort off the line, and made more tackles (four) than any other player. The Brazilian midfielder also won seven of his 11 ground duels.

Left-Back: Diogo Dalot

The 25-year-old claimed the Player of the Match award in Manchester United’s 2-0 win over Brighton. The Portuguese full-back was given a FotMob rating of 8.5 after he scored a goal and created two chances.

He also completed 87% of his passes and found a teammate with 75% of his crosses all while winning two of three tackles and recovering the ball on seven occasions.

All in all, it was another solid showing from the versatile defender.

Midfield: Bruno Guimarães

The in-demand Brazilian midfielder ran the show for Newcastle in their 4-2 win over Brentford. The 26-year-old claimed a FotMob rating of 9.4 having finished the game with a goal and two assists.

He created the most chances (four) of any player and was fouled the most times (five). Guimarães won seven of his 11 ground duels and made nine ball recoveries as he bossed things in and out of possession.

Midfield: Eberechi Eze

The Crystal Palace maestro has really come into his own over recent weeks and he added another impressive outing to his collection in the 5-0 win over Aston Villa.

Eze scored two, taking his haul for the season to 11, while also adding an assist in a showing that earned him a 9.5 rating. He also made the most tackles (three) and won seven of his 11 duels to highlight the fact he’s much more than just a final third threat.

Midfield: Phil Foden

This has felt like a real coming of age season for the Manchester City midfielder. He’s played more football and had more moments. He claimed a FotMob rating of 9.3 against West Ham as Pep Guardiola’s side yet again won the title on the final day. Foden scored twice as City coasted to a 3-1 victory on their way to a record breaking fourth title on the spin.

The 23-year-old had six shots and created five chances at the Etihad all while completing 100% of his dribbles.

Attack: Raúl Jiménez

Jiménez was given an opportunity in the starting XI in Fulham’s last game of the season and he made the most of it. The Mexican forward scored twice in a 4-2 for Marco Silva’s side. He also created an opportunity for the Cottagers, completed 85% of his passes and 100% of his dribbles. It was a reminder to those watching that the 33-year-old still has something to offer in the Premier League despite losing his place in the Fulham XI to Rodrigo Muniz.

Attack: Dejan Kulusevski

Believe it or not, Kulusevski had been without a goal in the Premier League heading into the final game of the season against Sheffield United.

The Spurs forward added his seventh and eighth of the campaign though with a double on the final matchday. He also carved out two chances for teammates and attempted four dribbles in a showing that earned him a FotMob rating of nine.

Attack: Jean-Philippe Mateta

Mateta netted a hat-trick against Villa to round off the 2023/24 campaign. It took his tally to 16 for the season. The Crystal Palace forward has nine goals in his last six outings having really found his feet under Oliver Glasner. Mateta also created two chances and claimed an assist in a showing that earned him a FotMob rating of 9.7.

(Images from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2024

Premier League Review: Matchday 38, the decider

The 2023/24 Premier League campaign has come to an end. And as per usual, Manchester City claimed the title. There weren’t any real upsets on the final day, but it was still one you aren’t likely to forget anytime soon. Here’s your roundup of all of the action for Matchday 38.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

Manchester City make it four in row

Manchester City became the first team in Premier League history to win four titles on the spin, beating West Ham United 3-1 on the final day of the season to claim the title.

Phil Foden put Pep Guardiola’s side ahead inside of two minutes and City never looked troubled. The England midfielder then made it 19 goals for the season when he doubled the lead after just 18 minutes.

The hosts looked fairly comfortable, even when Mohammed Kudus halved the deficit before the break. For a brief moment, Arsenal would’ve had belief. But then Rodri killed off any hope just before the hour mark when he added a third for Guardiola’s men. It was fitting that Foden and Rodri were the goalscorers given these two have been integral to this title success.

It was a deserved win for the home side as they racked up an Expected Goals total on 2.01 having taken 28 shots. West Ham didn’t offer up much in David Moyes’ final game of the season, mustering just three shots at the Etihad on their way to a ninth place finish.

So close yet so far for Arsenal

The Gunners finished the season with a win at home to Everton but it wasn’t enough to secure the title. Still, it should be viewed as a successful season.

Arsenal finished with a points haul of 89 and their win against the Toffees was their 28th of the season, a club record. And the hosts had to show great mentality to pick up those final three points having found themselves 1-0 down in the 40th minute after Idrissa Gueye found the back of the net. However, the home side hit back just three minutes later when Takehiro Tomoyasu, in at left-back, levelled things up.

Mikel Arteta’s men really ramped it up after the break and had 70% possession, 14 shots, five big chances and an xG of 1.99 in the second half. Eventually, they got their winner as Kai Havertz managed to extend his fine form in front of goal.

A Europa League place for Spurs

After a difficult few weeks, Tottenham managed to end their season on a high with a 3-0 win away to Sheffield United. It booked their place in the Europa League and rounded off Ange Postecoglou’s debut season in charge.

This game was a potential banana skin for Spurs who knew a loss, if results went against them elsewhere, could’ve seen them playing in the Europa Conference League next season.

Dejan Kulusevski calmed the nerves after 14 minutes with his first goal since February.

After the break, it was all Tottenham as the Blades had just 20% possession and managed just one effort on goal. Pedro Porro added a second for the visitors just before the hour and then Kulusevski added his second just six minutes later.

In the end, it was a routine win for Postecoglou’s side.

It all clicks for Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace ended the season with six wins from seven after dismantling Aston Villa 5-0 on the final day.

Oliver Glasner’s side have been one of the form teams in the English top-flight since their surprise win over Liverpool in mid-April.

The five goals at Selhurst Park against the fourth placed team made it 21 goals in seven outings. Key to their increase in output in the final third has been Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise. And all three played their part against Unai Emery’s men on Sunday afternoon.

Mateta claimed a hat-trick and an assist, Eze found the back of the net on two occasions while adding to his assists haul for the season and Olise made it 16 goal involvements for the season with an assist.

Villa will feel aggrieved. It was never a 5-0 sort of game but they won’t care given they had secured Champions League football earlier in the week.

Jürgen Klopp’s farewell tour comes to an end

And just like that, Klopp has managed Liverpool for the final time. The Reds played host to Wolves on the final match of the 2023/24 campaign and fans used it as an opportunity to serenade their departing manager, rolling out some of the all-time classic songs from throughout his time at Anfield.

On the pitch, it was just as fun. The Reds claimed a 2-0 win in what was an utterly dominant display.

Nelson Semedo’s early red card for a foul on Alexis Mac Allister changed the dynamic of the game and the hosts capitalised on their one-man superiority just six minutes later as the Argentine maestro converted a header from close range. Jarell Quansah made it two goals in two games as he tapped in from close range before the break.

It should’ve been a bigger scoreline as the hosts missed five big chances on their way to an xG score of 4.74. They got the job done though and Klopp departed with a win.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2024

Five things Liverpool fans will miss most about Jurgen Klopp

Sunday will see Jürgen Klopp lead his final game as Liverpool manager, and though a replacement is already lined up in Arne Slot, this poignant farewell gives fans an opportunity to reflect on what they will miss.

By Jack Lusby, ThisIsAnfield.com

1. The football

It is long forgotten now that, while Liverpool played some of their most attracting attacking football under Klopp’s predecessor, Brendan Rodgers, it had long gone stale for his side on the pitch.

There was an immediate shift in emphasis when Klopp arrived, with promises of heavy-metal football and an increase in demands on the players, many of whom sustained muscle injuries in those early months as they got to grips with the manager’s hard-pressing style.

At their best, Klopp’s Liverpool blew teams away without chance to respond; the victories over Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund, Barcelona, Porto, Manchester United, Aston Villa, Southampton, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and more over the years speak for themselves.

Up against Pep Guardiola’s City in particular, there was the sense that, despite the risk of a tactical surprise from his opposite number, Klopp would insist his side always go toe to toe with their rivals on the pitch.

The fans have loved him for it.

2. How he ‘got’ the fans

“Yesterday, for LFCTV, I had to read letters, and one of them I burst into tears. The stories behind what it meant to the people and what we did over these nine years and how their life changed in these nine years,” Klopp reflected in his final pre-match press conference on Friday.

When Klopp arrived, with fewer grey hairs and wearing a suit rather than a tracksuit or jeans, there was an immediate feeling that this was a manager who gets it.

He has shown that over almost nine years in the job, from uniting players and fans after a 2-2 draw with West Brom to masterminding some of football’s greatest underdog stories, all to the tune of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Klopp was perfectly aligned with the city’s ideals, which allowed supporters to embrace him as a man as well as a manager.

“We are the ambassadors of our people, we have to fulfil their dreams, we try, cannot guarantee that but we try. We have to fight extremely hard because they fight extremely hard, that’s how I always understood it. And we always did it,” he continued in his send-off at the AXA Training Centre.

“These thoughts fitted to the people’s thoughts like a glove and that’s why it was pretty special. It’s a very, very, very special city.”

3. His unique pull with transfers

Under Rodgers, Liverpool’s approach to recruitment was fractured. Torn between the very specific desires of a ‘football man’ manager and the data-led nous of those in the boardroom.

It led to trade-offs such as Roberto Firmino being signed on the understanding that Rodgers would also be provided with his choice of No. 9, Christian Benteke.

But more troubling was the lack of pull when he came to convincing players to join the cause, with Michael Edwards still forging his reputation off the field and Rodgers often relying on Steven Gerrard making a personal pitch to targets.

The appointment of Klopp, and his subsequent success, changed that.

Suddenly, players were desperate to wear a Liverpool shirt, and the club were able to fend off high-profile competition to sign the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Alisson, Sadio Mané, Gini Wijnaldum, and more despite interest from their rivals.

4. Rewarding young talent

Would Trent Alexander-Arnold have established himself in the Liverpool first team were it not for Klopp? Quite possibly.

But the scale of the manager’s faith in youth certainly laid the foundation for their vice-captain to progress from academy to the forefront of the club’s plans.

He is far from the only example, either: 44 academy players made their debut for Liverpool under Klopp, with 14 of those going to make 10 or more appearances.

Curtis Jones, born and bred in the city, has already joined Alexander-Arnold in breaking a century of outings for the club, and there is a chance that many of those other 42 players – the likes of Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, Stefan Bajčetić and Bobby Clark – join them under Slot.

That, fortunately, is an encouraging sign when it comes to Klopp’s successor, with Slot another coach with a belief in young talent – which certainly bodes well for the future.

5. His relationship with the media

He would always protest to the contrary, but it is clear that Klopp is a manager who understands not only the importance of the media in football, but also how to use it to his advantage.

There was a special moment between the German and those members of the assembled press, many from Merseyside, after he held his pre-Wolves press conference, as gratitude was shown on both sides.

Klopp could be spiky in interviews, and he generated plenty of criticism – particularly from rival supporters – for his angry responses to situations on and off the pitch.

But he remained a captivating character which appears a dying breed within the sport, and the headline-writers certainly thanked him for it.

In Slot, fans will be hoping for a similarly engaging figure – which is almost a prerequisite now for any Liverpool manager – along with that ability to connect with the supporters at Anfield and beyond, and mesh a squad of big-money signings and high-potential youngsters into a successful machine.

Either way, they will never have another leader like Klopp.

(Cover Image from IMAGO)

To keep up to date with everything Liverpool, make sure you click follow on the team profile in the FotMob app. Download the free app here.

May

2024

England Squad Gatecrashers, Part 5: Tino Livramento

Gareth Southgate is spoilt for choice heading into Euro 2024 this summer.

By Sam McGuire

Never before has an England manager had such a talented pool of players at their disposal. To say the squad depth is unbelievable would be an understatement. But while Southgate is the envy of a lot of managers across Europe, he’s also in a bit of an unenviable position. Because no matter what decision he makes, unless the Three Lions go on to win the tournament, he’s going to have made the wrong one.

When there is that much talent available to you, you are expected to win. This is pressure few other managers will have ever experienced. Southgate will have a select few players who are dead certs for the squad but those who have been in fine form during the final few months of the 2023/24 campaign could well gatecrash the 26-man squad.

In this series, we’re going to look at five players who might have played their way into the thinking of the England boss. We’ve already made the case for Harvey Elliott and looked at the merits of including Crystal Palace duo Tyrick Mitchell and Eberechi Eze in the squad. We’ve also taken a look at Anthony Gordon. The final focus is going to be on his Newcastle United teammate, Tino Livramento.

The fact he’s even in this conversation is a remarkable achievement in itself. The versatile defender missed almost 400 days with an ACL injury while at Southampton. The 21-year-old only returned for the final two games of the 2022/23 campaign having suffered the injury in April 2022.

Despite this, Newcastle United took the risk and signed him for a fee believed to be worth £40million with add-ons. Just as was the case with Gordon, it is now looking like a clever piece of business.

Livramento has been one of the surprises of the season for the Magpies. And he’s caught the eye in multiple roles, having filled in for Kieran Trippier at right-back as well as turning out at left-back.

There has even been calls for the former Chelsea youngster to replace starting left-back Dan Burn on the left side of the defence, despite it not being his natural position.

You can understand why too. The England under-21 international played as a left-back against Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan in the Champions League. He also started games there against Chelsea, Manchester United, Everton, Spurs and Arsenal in the Premier League.

And he didn’t look out of place.

This versatility could be key to him sneaking into Southgate’s squad. As detailed in the Mitchell piece, England aren’t blessed with in-form or fit left-backs at the moment. Luke Shaw is out. Ben Chilwell has missed a lot of the season. The Crystal Palace man is probably the form player but there’s an argument to be made that he’s a wing-back rather than a full-back. Joe Gomez could get the nod there but he’s a centre-back by trade and you lose some drive in the wide areas if he’s deployed there.

While Livramento isn’t a natural left-back, he does have natural full-back tendencies and that could give him a slight advantage. He might even pip club teammate Trippier to a place in the squad with the former Atlético full-back struggling with injuries and form this season.

The Newcastle man is safe in possession, something Southgate values, having completed almost 87% of his passes in the Premier League this season. He’s also quite progressive in possession and he’s completed almost 70% of his dribbles. Livramento has also won almost two fouls per 90, highlighting how he’s a bit of a stress reliever when on the ball. He’s also winning 62% of his duels and the Newcastle No. 21 recovers the ball on almost six occasions on a per 90 basis.

He’s not as exciting as some full-backs but the England manager favours consistent, reliable defenders in the back four. Livramento’s versatility and composure could see him gatecrash the final 26-man squad.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring xG, deep stats coverage, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2024

FIVE games to follow this weekend: The final day in the Premier League, Gala vs. Fener, and more

In this weekend preview we summarise the best five games to follow on your match feed. And make a couple of suggestions for matches that you may otherwise miss.

By Bill Biss

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Premier League: Manchester City vs. West Ham United

We should, by rights, include two Premier League games in this preview what with the title going down to the wire on Sunday afternoon. But with so much going on elsewhere that we need to include, we’ll presume you’ve already clicked follow on Arsenal’s vital home clash with Everton.

For now, we’re concentrate on Manchester City, as they aim to become the first English side to ever win four league titles in a row. That’s not just the Premier League era, that’s going all the way back to the foundation of the football league in 1888. In fact, only four other sides have even managed three-in-a-row: Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, and er…Huddersfield Town.

Pep Guardiola’s side famously know when to come good, and their current unbeaten run of 22 games includes wins in each of their last eight, with Tuesday’s 2-0 victory at Spurs, in what was their last remaining game in hand, taking them two points clear of Arsenal as it stands.

If they beat the Hammers, who are playing for pride only, and perhaps aiming to give departing coach David Moyes a good send off, then City will win the league in historic fashion. They could afford to draw, or even lose, if the Gunners fold and go down to a defeat at the Emirates.

With simultaneous kick-offs throughout the league, we think FotMob could be the perfect companion for those of you looking to track multiple games in play.

For a full guide to all the key games on the final day, click here.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Women’s Super League: Manchester United vs. Chelsea

Before Sunday’s drama, there’s more final-day title shenanigans to look forward to in the WSL. Here, Chelsea, the side who has already won four titles in a row, have clawed their way back to the top of the table in recent weeks and go in to the last day of the season ahead of challengers Manchester City on goal difference alone.

Chelsea, in what will be Emma Hayes’ farewell game before she takes on the USWNT job, face the more difficult of the fixtures, visiting as they do, fifth placed Manchester United. United beat Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals recently before going on to smash Spurs in the final so they will be no pushovers.

But with no doubt someone on the bench glued to their FotMob app tracking the City game Chelsea will need to match whatever Gareth Taylor’s side can achieve at seventh placed Aston Villa. For City, being in a position to win what would be just their second ever title is already a massive improvement on recent campaigns – they finished off the pace in fourth last season – but having previously finished as runners-up six times in a spell of seven years, they have tasted the disappointment that missing out on a title can bring.

For an in-depth preview of the key games, click here.

🇹🇷 Süper Lig: Galatasaray vs. Fenerbahçe

The season-defining matches are not restricted to the UK this weekend – with Sunday’s epic battle between Istanbul’s continental rivals being a good example. This game is highly anticipated, in fact, we’ve been talking about it for months ourselves, as evidenced here.

After almost a full season of intrigue, and on and off-field rows and recriminations, Galatasaray currently lead Fenerbahçe by six points with two games to play. That means they could still be caught, but only if Fenerbahçe beat them on Sunday, win their final game AND Galatasaray were also to lose their last fixture. This is because the head-to-head record is used as the first tie-breaker in this league and the season’s earlier fixture between the two ended in a goalless draw.

For Galatasaray, though, the equation is simpler. Win OR draw the Derby and a record-extending 24th title is theirs. And winning is something they’re currently very used to – they’ve won each of their last 17 league games. Like Gala, Fener have also lost just once all season and they’ve gone unbeaten since November but they haven’t been able to match that consistency. And they would point to various conspirascies against them as the main reason for that – something we tried to cover last month, in this article.

🇦🇹 Austrian Bundesliga: Sturm Graz vs. SK Austria Klagenfurt

We previewed a recent clash between the top two in Austria due to the potential changing of the guard in a league that has been dominated by one side – RB Salzburg – for over a decade now. And so it has almost come to pass.

Ahead of what are the final games of the season, on Sunday, Sturm Graz hold a two-point advantage over Salzburg in the standings. They face SK Austria Klagenfurt, who sit bottom of the Championship Group, in the knowledge that a victory guarantees the title. A draw will not be enough if Salzburg were to win their final game, at home to third placed LASK, due to the multiple-defending champion’s superior head-to-head record from this season’s games between the two title challengers.

Salzburg have won one of those meetings, with the other two ending in draws.

Having finished as runners-up in the last two seasons, and having last won the league back in 2011, a victory would be particularly sweet for Sturm Graz, and in fairness, will likely be celebrated by most neutral followers of the Austrian Bundesliga.

🇧🇪 Belgian Pro League: Anderlecht vs. Club Brugge

As if Sunday’s match feed wasn’t busy enough already we’ll also be following proceedings in the Belgian Pro League. Here, the country’s two most successful clubs are tied neck-and-neck on points, following the league split, with Anderlecht due to host Club Brugge at their Lotto Park stadium in what is the penultimate round of the season.

Third placed Union St. Gilloise, who finished top of the regular season, will be watching on and hoping for a draw to keep themselves in the hunt. But while the title won’t be decided this weekend, we should get a serious steer if there were to be a winner in this contest.

Anderlecht have lost two of their eight games since the league split, including an earlier fixture against Club Brugge, but are currently unbeaten in four. Club Brugge, who’ve lifted the league trophy in four of the last six years, are unbeaten in this stage of the season, but did recently suffer a disappointing 4-3 aggregate defeat to Fiorentina in the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League.

Plus two further suggestions from a little deeper in your match feed…

🏆 CAF Champions League Final, first leg: Espérance vs. Al Ahly

Two of Africa’s most successful club sides are set to meet again in the final of the CAF Champions League on Saturday. In a repeat of the 2018 and 2012 final, Tunisia’s ES Tunis, otherwise known as Espérance, take on Egypt’s most decorated side, Al Ahly.

The 2018 final went in favour of the Tunisian side over the two legs, while the 2012 title is one of Al Ahly’s record eleven wins in this competition. ES Tunis have won the crown on four occasions themselves, with the last coming in 2019 when they went back-to-back.

Al Ahly are looking to do something similar now having beaten Wydad in last season’s showpiece.

🇺🇸 MLS Rivalry Week: New York City vs. New York Red Bulls

With Europe’s winter leagues coming to an exciting climax, we’d expect your minds to wonder in search of a football fix that will take you through to the summer’s various major international tournaments. And one of those options is Major League Soccer.

And timed perfectly for this is the league’s #RivalryWeek. As part of that, New York City and their New York-adjacent rivals from across the Hudson River, New York Red Bulls are set to clash on Saturday evening.

The two are separated by three points after 13 rounds of the season, with Red Bulls sat third in the Eastern Conference, and NYCFC fourth. Historically, it’s the older Red Bull club that have the advantage in the head-to-head record.

If you want to follow any of the games mentioned above, click on the relevant link and tap the bell icon to receive all the key match updates.

Or join us on our Social channels for updates on all the important football going on this weekend – search @FotMob on x, @fotmobapp everywhere else!

Images from IMAGO

May

2024

England Squad Gatecrashers, Part 4: Anthony Gordon

Gareth Southgate is spoilt for choice heading into Euro 2024 this summer.

By Sam McGuire

In this series, we’re going to look at five players who might have played their way into the thinking of the England boss. We’ve already made the case for Harvey Elliott and looked at the merits of including Crystal Palace duo Tyrick Mitchell and Eberechi Eze in the squad. Now we’re going to focus on Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.

It doesn’t feel that long ago that eyebrows were being raised after Newcastle United parted with £40million to secure the services of the inconsistent Everton forward. It was a significant outlay for a player with just seven Premier League goals to his name.

At the time, it was a huge gamble. Now, though, it is looking like a clever piece of transfer business.

The 23-year-old is one of only four players to have done a double-double in the Premier League this term. He’s on 11 goals and 10 assists. The only others to achieve this feat this term are Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer and Mohamed Salah.

Gordon isn’t just involving himself in goals against inferior teams, he’s delivering in the big games for the Magpies. This term, the Newcastle No. 10 has assists against Aston Villa, Liverpool, Spurs, and Chelsea and he’s chipped in with goals versus Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Spurs.

He’s the definition of a big game player for Eddie Howe’s men. Why wouldn’t England want a player like what within their ranks? Every game in a knockout competition falls into the big game category. Southgate needs someone with the right sort of mentality and Gordon has it.

In an interview with former Manchester United defender Gary Neville on The Overlap podcast, Gordon spoke about dictating his own development at Newcastle. “I stay out all the time [after training] because I feel like it has ended too quickly and I’m not ready to go in. The gaffer knows I don’t like gym work. He knows I like to do what makes me feel good and this season I’ve been injury-free. It’s worked.”

The versatile forward has caught the eye for Newcastle across the front line this term. He’s even spearheaded the attack on a couple of occasions with Howe looking to make the most of Gordon’s explosive pace. Back in February, Sky Sports revealed the winger had clocked the sixth fastest top speed in the Premier League this season.

Gordon can play multiple roles and he’s a huge threat if a team is looking to play on the counter-attack. In a squad with limited spaces in a knockout competition, these traits are invaluable.

His underlying numbers are quietly impressive too. The 23-year-old has an Expected Goals per 90 average of 0.3 and his xG On Target average is 0.29 which shows he’s a fairly consistent finisher. Despite his young age, he’s not devaluing his efforts with his shot placement.

As a creator, he isn’t bad at all. He has an Expected Assists average of 0.17 in the Premier League this term. He makes things happen though with his direct style. He’s won 2.12 fouls per 90, an average that puts him in the 80th percentile, and he’s won six penalties for the Magpies this term.

Gordon should be ahead of the likes of Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford in the pecking order for England. Other than experience, that trio doesn’t have anything over the Newcastle attacker.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from Euro 2024 live with FotMob — featuring xG, deep stats coverage, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2024

The final day battle to avoid the drop in the Bundesliga

With the final Bundesliga matchday almost upon us, things are far from decided at the bottom of the pack. The fates of as many as four teams could be decided on matchday 34. Darmstadt’s relegation has already been decided but who else will join them?

By Ninad Barbadikar

Last season saw Schalke and Hertha Berlin slip down into the second division with Stuttgart managing to stay up via the playoffs. This year, the race for survival features four teams in particular, Bochum, Union Berlin, Mainz as well as FC Cologne. For Union, this is a fall from grace that not many would have expected, at least not in the way that it has happened. From the glitz and glamour of facing Real Madrid and Napoli in the Champions League to fighting for their top-flight status.

Bochum’s home form has helped them keep their neck above water but consistently poor results away has only made things more difficult. Meanwhile Mainz and Cologne have only recently experienced the benefits of the changes brought about by new managers Bo Henriksen and Timo Schultz respectively.

So how have these teams found themselves in this pickle?

Union Berlin

Bundesliga neutrals for the longest time had become almost accustomed to Union Berlin’s overachieving league finishes since their promotion in 2019. Qualifying for the Europa League in only their third season in the top flight was incredible enough but Fischer’s Union then went one step further, making it to the Champions League.

However, after back-to-back seasons with European football, this is the season that things stopped clicking for Urs Fischer at the An der Alten Försterei, eventually paving the path for a mutually agreed exit.

Qualification for the Champions League perhaps necessitated spending for Union Berlin, but there is an argument to be made that their recruitment wasn’t following the trend of shrewd investments they’ve made since coming up into the league.

Especially in forward areas, Union’s recruitment have bet on a number of strikers to come good which simply hasn’t panned out thus far. Mikkel Kaufmann has failed to make a real impression, Benedict Hollerbach has had his moments and David Fofana’s loan-spell was cut short in January.

Following Fischer’s departure, the club backed new boss Nenad Bjelica in the market, acquiring Chris Bedia as well as Yorbe Vertessen. Whilst the latter has shown promising end product, Bedia is yet to get a proper run in the team which begs the question of why Union decided to sign him in the first place.

After a run of just three defeats in 11 Bundesliga games, it seemed like the new manager bounce from Bjelica had done enough for Union. However, failure to sustain results meant a goodbye for Bjelica and his staff as well.

Amongst the bottom three in the league for Expected Goals (xG) overall, Union’s set-piece strengths of recent seasons seem to have deserted them this term, in addition their regression in finishing ability overall.

All of the aforementioned factors have come together to cook up a season to forget for Die Eisernen. However, their Bundesliga future could still be in their hands if they can manage to beat Freiburg on the final day of the season, combined with results helping them elsewhere.

Mainz

Of all the teams you would back to get a result on matchday 34, Henriksen’s Mainz are one to back. Finding form at the perfect time in the league, they are on an unbeaten streak of eight games and if you stretch it back even further, they’ve lost just twice in the last twelve.

After Bo Svensson’s departure earlier in the season and Jan Siewert’s failure to steady the ship, Mainz have found the third time charm with Henriksen. Brimming with positivity before each game and hyping the fans all by himself, Henriksen’s methods are certainly paying off.

Last weekend’s 3-0 drubbing of an admittedly weakened Borussia Dortmund side has placed them in excellent stead ahead of the final clash against Wolfsburg away from home.

A crucial factor in getting a result here would be the form of striker Jonathan Burkardt, who has been instrumental in Mainz’s successes of late. Scoring seven goals and assisting two since his return from a long-term injury, Burkardt’s contributions have been timely.

Combine that with the exciting attacking potential of Jae-Sung Lee, Nadiem Amiri and Brajan Gruda, Ralph Hassenhuttl and Wolfsburg are sure to have their hands full at home on matchday 34.

Ahead of Union Berlin in 16th by two points, all that Mainz need to do is either match or better Union’s result against Freiburg, to secure Bundesliga safety for another year.

FC Cologne

After the departure of legendary manager Steffen Baumgart at Cologne, it seemed like salvaging their Bundesliga status was always going to be a tall order for Schultz given the quality of the squad. With 27 goals, they have the fewest total scored in the German top flight ahead of the final matchday.

Despite their goalscoring struggles, Cologne are still within a slim chance of Bundesliga survival, as they prepare to face newcomers Heidenheim who have had a stellar first season in the league.

Only relegated Darmstadt have a higher xG tally this term than the Billygoats, underlining just how much they’ve missed the attacking output from the likes of Davie Selke and the rest of their arsenal. The emergence of Max Finkgräfe has been a silver lining in an otherwise grim season for Cologne fans.

A long-term heir to Jonas Hector at the RheinENERGIE Stadion seems to have finally been discovered, with the young German impressing many with his industrious work up and down the left flank.

After two back-to-back ties at home where they failed to find the back of the next, Cologne seemingly found their shooting boots at the right time to produce an incredible comeback to win 3-2 against Union Berlin to take the outcome of this relegation battle to the final matchday.

Two forwards came off the bench to secure that exhilarating result, Steffen Tigges and Damion Downs, the latter has been involved in some big moments for Schultz’s side this season.

Results elsewhere will have to come together for Cologne to secure survival. They must win against Heidenheim, hope Union lose to Freiburg, and score enough against Heidenheim to overturn the goal difference in their favour.

Bochum

Perhaps the least amount of pressure in terms of winning is on Heiko Butscher’s Bochum who head to Bremen to take on Ole Werner’s Werder side on the final matchday.

A draw will be enough for Die Blauen away from home, repeating the outcome from their reverse fixture earlier in the season. They’ve failed to beat Bremen since returning to the Bundesliga and with their 10 losses on the road this season from 17 played, Butscher will hope his side can secure the point they need to stay up.

With just two wins since the end of February, the pressure has been on Bochum to get their Bundesliga survival over the line. Manager Thomas Letsch paid the price for a poor run of results and now the club’s former youth team coach has been tasked with steering them to safety.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every Bundesliga game live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2024

Third time unlucky in the league for Union St. Gilloise?

The resurgence of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise has been the biggest story in Belgian football in recent seasons. They finally ended their nearly 90-year-long wait for a major trophy by lifting the cup last week, but for the third successive league season, they look set to fall ever so slightly short of the title.

By Neel Shelat

Anderlecht and Club Brugge are, quite obviously, the two most successful teams in the history of the Belgian Pro League with 34 and 18 titles respectively. Surprisingly, though, they are not followed by a Standard Liège, Royal Antwerp or Genk. Instead, it is Royale Union Saint-Gilloise who complete the podium with 11 titles to their name.

Until their recent return to the top flight in 2021, few would have even recognised that name. The reason behind that is that Union’s heyday came before World War I, when they won the league seven times. They remained a noteworthy European side until the 1950s, but after suffering relegation from the Belgian top-flight in 1963, almost disappeared off the map. They dropped as far as the fourth tier, surviving many existential battles to just about stay afloat until 2018.

Their fortunes completely changed that year when Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom took over the club. The key figure, though, was co-investor Alex Muzio, who became USG’s chairman and oversaw their transformation before recently taking over as the majority shareholder as well.

Much like Brighton, Union adopted a policy of assembling squads by through excellent scouting networks, signing underrated talents for peanuts from relatively obscure leagues and lower tiers around Europe and later – as their stature and financial capacity grew – around the world. They were in the second tier at the time, so winning promotion was the first priority. After a couple of near-misses, they got the job done in 2021 under Felice Mazzù.

Three Near-Misses in the League

Having returned to the Pro League after almost half a century away, Union Saint-Gilloise were not burdened by any major expectations ahead of the 2021/22 season. However, they took the league by absolute storm, continuing to thrive with the intense approach that tore up the second tier.

At the end of the regular season – when all teams had played each other home and away – Union were five points clear of defending champions Club Brugge at the top of the standings.

However, the Pro League’s quirky format, which saw the top four enter the Championship play-off with their points halved at the time, led to their title dreams unraveling as Club Brugge put together a brilliant unbeaten run in the play-offs to lift the title by four points.

They did seal their European return with a second-placed finish, missing out on the Champions League but more than happily settling for a spot in the Europa League group stage in 2022/23. They went on to make a memorable run to the quarter-finals on debut, but back in the league, it was more of the same.

After Mazzù left for local rivals Anderlecht, his assistant Karel Geraerts took over and did not try to fix what was not broken. Union finished level on point with leaders Genk at the end of the regular season, but agonisingly missed out on the title by just a point at the end of a dramatic title race that swung three ways on the final day before ultimately ending in Royal Antwerp’s favour.

This season too, Union look set to finish third in a three-way title race. Now coached by Alexander Blessin, they were seven points clear of second place at the end of the regular season this time, but the expanded six-team championship play-off has proven to be their undoing. A run of four consecutive losses in the first round of fixtures saw them fall off the top, and although they have recovered since, they now need both teams above them to drop points in the final two matchdays to have a chance of finishing first – Anderlecht and Club Brugge face each other this weekend.

Quite simply, Union have suffered as a result of the Pro League’s Championship round format. Their record against their direct rivals is not bad at all, on the whole. In fact, they put together a record-breaking run of eight consecutive victories against Anderlecht after returning to the top-flight, but were finally stopped this season.

Of course, this recent history of collapses in the Championship play-off must play on their minds every time Union go into such crunch situations again, so it was quite important for them to shed the tag of being Belgium’s nearly team of late. Their triumph over Royal Antwerp last week which saw them lift the cup for the first time in 110 years could prove to be yet another turning point in their recent history. It might be too late to rescue the league campaign this season, but Union will surely be right up there next term too and could well draw inspiration from this success to finally get over the line.

Ability to Sustain Success

Although they have not won a league title yet after returning, Union have arguably been the most impressive team in Belgium in the last three seasons. Their budget is still one of the lowest in the league (they have the second-lowest annual payroll this term), and as their star players get picked off in every window, they have to keep unearthing hidden gems season after season.

So far, they have done an unbelievable job. Their net transfer spend since promotion has been +€30.51m, which is over a third of their current cumulative squad value.

The strike partnership of Deniz Undav and Dante Vanzeir tore up Pro League defences in 2021/22 as the pair notched up 62 goal involvements between them, but neither of them were around the see the end of the subsequent season. To keep the goals flowing, Union broke their transfer record to sign Victor Boniface from Bodø/Glimt for just over €6 million, though he left for over thrice that figure to join Bayer Leverkusen the next summer.

Captain and midfield maestro Teddy Teuma was another notable departure ahead of this season, but his replacement was already in the squad. Cameron Puertas had previously been signed from Swiss club Lausanne for just over €1 million, and he has taken over the spotlight this term with a whopping 16 assists in the league.

Union have also benefitted from their relationship with Brighton, getting a few loanees such as Kaoru Mitoma and Simon Adingra. Their world-class scouting undoubtedly is the most important factor in to their ability to sustain success despite such a high turnover of players season on season. Last summer, for example, they made signings from Ecuador, Argentina, Switzerland, Norway, Japan, the Dutch second tier and German fourth tier, and that list will surely only grow in the next window.

Clearly, nothing is going to stop Union Saint-Gilloise from continuing to try and lift the Pro League despite consecutive heartbreaks. Surely, then, it is only a matter of time before they reclaim the Belgian thrown once more.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Belgian Pro League on FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2024

Premier League Preview: Matchday 38

So here we are. The 2023/24 Premier League season is coming to an end this weekend and there’s still an awful lot to be decided. Manchester City lead the way but Arsenal can still claim their first title in 20 years if results go their way. Spurs had been looking to climb the table over recent weeks but are now looking over their shoulder’s in the race for a Europa League place. One of three teams could end up in the Europa Conference League while one of two sides could still be relegated. For the final time this season, here is your Premier League preview.

By Sam McGuire, Premier League expert

A must-win for Arsenal

If Arsenal to have any hope of winning the Premier League, they need to pick up maximum points against Everton on Sunday.

The Gunners host the Toffees knowing a win is needed and even that might not be enough to stop Manchester City from claiming their fourth successive Premier League title. Mikel Arteta’s men have been flawless over recent weeks, winning five on the bounce, to take the title race to the final day.

They’re up against an Everton side with nothing to play for having already secured safety. But Sean Dyche’s side aren’t going to roll over. He isn’t that sort of manager and the Toffees aren’t that sort of team. They arrive at the Emirates in good form too and are unbeaten in five.

However, they are winless in 11 away matches this season and do have one of their worst attacking records in the Premier League, averaging just 1.1 goals per 90. They’re up against the team with the most clean sheets (18) and one of the best attacks in the English top-flight with Arteta’s side averaging 2.4 goals per 90.

It has the potential to be an intriguing match-up, despite everything pointing to a routine Arsenal win.

Can the champions make it four on the spin?

Manchester City are looking to win their fourth successive Premier League title. Never before has this been done in the English top-flight. The reigning champions host West Ham United at the Etihad on Sunday knowing a win guarantees them the title. A draw, or even a loss, would be enough if Arsenal fail to beat Everton.

But Pep Guardiola’s side are going to want to win it in style in front of a home crowd.

They are currently 22 games unbeaten in the Premier League and have won eight games on the bounce. This run has seen them jump ahead of both Liverpool and Arsenal. They always seem to time these winning runs to perfection.

And Erling Haaland has timed his return to goalscoring ways perfectly too. The powerhouse No. 9 has 27 goals this season having netted nine times in his last six Premier League outings. He’s also got an impressive record against West Ham with four goals in three games.

The Hammers have nothing to play for on Sunday in what will be David Moyes’ final game in charge. The highest they can finish is ninth. The lowest they can finish is ninth. They are without a clean sheet in 11 and have conceded the most penalties in the Premier League this term (10).

On paper, it is a straightforward three points for Manchester City, but who knows what might happen.

Can Chelsea sneak into the Europa League?

Remarkably, Chelsea could claim a fifth place finish this season.

A few months back, a top half finish looked to be the best bet for the Blues but an impressive run of form has catapulted them up the table. They have lost just one of their last 14 Premier League games. A win at Stamford Bridge on Sunday against Bournemouth could see them clinch a Europa League spot if Spurs lose to Sheffield United.

A loss, however, combined with a Newcastle United win would see Mauricio Pochettino’s men miss out on Europe altogether. The margins are really that fine.

They will be confident though. They are unbeaten against the Cherries in their last five and momentum is on their side.

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola penned a new deal with the club this week but they are currently on a two-game losing streak. A top half finish is up for grabs if Brighton lose and the Cherries win, so there is that as an incentive, but the lowest they will finish is 13th and even that would would be considered a successful season.

Can Spurs hold on?

Earlier in the season, Spurs looked like title contenders. Then it looked as though they would claim a Champions League place. Now they’re in a battle for a Europa League spot. To say the campaign has fizzled out would be an understatement.

Tottenham have just two wins in seven and have lost five of their last six. They are without a clean sheet since March, a run that dates back 10 games. Despite this run of poor form, Ange Postecoglou knows a win would ensure the club are playing in the Europa League next season. All things considered, that could, and should, be viewed as a good debut campaign.

They travel to already relegated Sheffield United in a game that should, in theory, be a slam dunk for Spurs. Chris Wilder’s side are without a clean sheet in 18 and without a win in 13. The Blades have conceded 101 goals this season and found the back of the net just 35 times.

But Spurs don’t travel too well and are winless in five on the road. If Sheffield United want to end their season in the Premier League on a high, they have a pretty good opportunity against this out-of-form Tottenham team.

Will Forest be playing Premier League football next season?

Nottingham Forest could yet still be relegated.

They face Burnley on Sunday at Turf Moor in a fairly unique situation. A loss keeps them in the English top-flight unless they suffer a heavy defeat and Luton Town romp to a huge victory over Fulham. It is unlikely but not impossible.

Forest need to be professional and get the job done against Vincent Kompany’s side. The potential is there for it to be a difficult day though. Nuno Espírito Santo’s men are without a clean sheet in 13 while Burnley are unbeaten in nine against the visitors having won four and drawn five. They are, however, without a clean sheet in 20 Premier League games.

They’ll want to end their season in the English top-flight in a positive way so expect them to put in a performance despite their fate already being sealed.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every match from the Premier League live with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.

May

2024

Third time unlucky in the league for Union Saint-Gilloise?

By Neel Shelat

Three Near-Misses in the League

At the end of the regular season – when all teams had played each other home and away – Union were five points clear of defending champions Club Brugge at the top of the standings.

Ability to Sustain Success

So far, they have done an unbelievable job. Their net transfer spend since promotion has been +€30.51m, which is over a third of their current cumulative squad value.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Belgian Pro League on FotMob – featuring deep stats coverage, including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.